Why it's done

The female condom helps prevent pregnancy. Among various benefits, the female condom:

Is immediately effective

Offers protection from sexually transmitted infections

Is available without a prescription or special fitting

Can be inserted up to eight hours before sex

Rarely causes allergic reactions and has minimal risk of side effects

Doesn't require a partner's cooperation or an erect penis as the male condom does

Unlike latex — the material used to make most male condoms — female condoms made of polyurethane and synthetic latex aren't affected by dampness or changes in temperature. In addition, some women find that the female condom's external ring stimulates the clitoris.

The female condom isn't appropriate for everyone, however. You may want to consider another type of birth control if you:

Are allergic to polyurethane or synthetic latex

Are at high risk of pregnancy — you're younger than age 30, you have sex three or more times a week, you've had previous contraceptive failure with vaginal barrier methods, or you're not likely to consistently use the female condom

Aren't comfortable with the insertion technique

Have vaginal abnormalities that interfere with the fit, placement or retention of the female condom

Legal Conditions and Terms

Reprint Permissions

A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.